Physicians and Surgeons

Physicians and Surgeons diagnose, treat, and help prevent illnesses, injuries, and medical conditions in patients. They examine patients, order tests, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans. Their work is critical in healthcare, patient well-being, and public health.

This career is well suited for individuals who enjoy healthcare, problem-solving, and working directly with patients to improve health outcomes.

What Do Physicians and Surgeons Do?

These professionals provide medical care, assess patient health, and perform interventions to treat illnesses or injuries.

Common responsibilities include:

• Examining patients and evaluating medical histories
• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
• Diagnosing diseases, injuries, or conditions
• Prescribing medications, therapies, or treatments
• Performing surgical procedures or medical interventions
• Advising patients on preventive care and healthy lifestyles
• Documenting patient care, treatment plans, and medical records
• Collaborating with nurses, specialists, and healthcare teams

Key Areas of Medical Practice

Physicians and surgeons may focus on specific specialties, patient populations, or treatment types:

• Primary Care and Family Medicine: Providing general healthcare, preventive services, and ongoing patient management
• Surgical Specialties: Performing operations to treat injuries, diseases, or congenital conditions
• Internal Medicine: Diagnosing and managing complex adult diseases
• Pediatrics, Geriatrics, or Obstetrics: Caring for children, older adults, or maternal health
• Diagnostic and Preventive Care: Ordering tests and promoting healthy behaviors

Skills and Abilities Needed

Physicians and surgeons combine medical knowledge, analytical skills, and interpersonal abilities.

Core Professional Skills

- Medical examination and diagnostic techniques - Treatment planning and intervention - Surgical and procedural proficiency (for surgeons) - Patient assessment and monitoring - Documentation and medical recordkeeping - Collaboration with healthcare professionals

Personal Qualities That Matter

- Empathy and patient-centered care - Strong communication and interpersonal skills - Analytical and critical thinking - Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure - Attention to detail and precision - Professionalism and ethical judgment

Education and Career Pathway

This role typically requires extensive education, training, and licensure:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Pre-medical or science-focused degree
• Medical School (M.D. or D.O.): Comprehensive medical education and clinical rotations
• Residency Program: Specialized training in a chosen medical field
• Board Certification (optional but common): Credentialing in a medical specialty
• State Licensure: Required to practice medicine
• Continuing Education: Staying current with medical advances, treatments, and best practices

Where Do Physicians and Surgeons Work?

They are employed in organizations that provide medical care and treatment:

• Hospitals and Medical Centers
• Private Practices and Clinics
• Specialty Care Facilities
• Research Institutions or Academic Medicine
• Government or Public Health Agencies

Work environments include hospitals, clinics, surgical suites, laboratories, and patient care facilities.

Is This Career Difficult?

This career requires extensive knowledge, precision, and responsibility. Physicians and surgeons must make critical decisions, manage complex cases, and maintain patient safety under pressure.

Who Should Consider This Career?

This career may be a strong fit if you:

• Enjoy healthcare, science, and patient interaction
• Are detail-oriented and analytical
• Can handle high responsibility and stressful situations
• Have strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Want a career directly impacting patient health and well-being

How to Prepare Early

• Take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics
• Volunteer or intern in hospitals, clinics, or healthcare settings
• Develop strong study habits, critical thinking, and communication skills
• Explore undergraduate programs for pre-medical education
• Gain experience in clinical, research, or patient care opportunities

Physicians and surgeons diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses, providing essential medical care that enhances health, saves lives, and supports public well-being.